Life onboard

Learn more about the life onboard OCEAN DIAMOND

Alcohol

Bringing alcohol aboard is generally not allowed. The only exception is a small “corkage fee” charged to passengers who want to enjoy a special bottle of wine with a meal. A large variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served on board in the restaurant and bar.

Cabin Features

All cabins are equipped with shower/toilet, television, closet, refrigerator, hairdryer and access to satellite phone. Cabins are cleaned daily and there is turn-down service. In case of illness, food and drinks can be served in the cabin during dining hours.

Changes to Cruise Itinerary & Shore Excursions

Due to local weather, sea and ice conditions, all of our cruise itineraries and shore excursions are subject to change. The implementation of our shore excursions also depends on reaching the minimum/maximum number of participants for each activity. Iceland ProCruises reserves the right to change the itinerary and trip content without prior notice.

Children

Children must be 8 years or older (10 years or older on trips that combine Greenland and Iceland). Discounts of 25% on cruises and shore excursions are offered to children up to age 12 staying in their parents’ cabin. Please note that we do not offer child-care services or children’s play areas on board. Riding our Zodiacs requires a certain level of body control. Due to safety reasons, the captain reserves the right to refuse a landing with children.

Cruise card

At embarkation you will receive a personal Cruise Card which you should always have with you. This card is used on board as a combination payment instrument (except in the onboard shop) and identity card. Shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, spa services etc. will be paid with your cruise card. At the end of the voyage you can settle your account by credit card (we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express) or you can pay with cash (US$).

Dress Code

The dress code on board is casual. Leave your ties, jackets and evening dresses at home. For days at sea and ashore we recommend comfortable, breathable, waterproof and windproof clothing, plus gloves, thermal underwear and sturdy footwear. For the captain’s and farewell cocktail parties we recommend smart casual dress style.

Gratuities

Tipping is a way of showing your appreciation for a service received on board from the hotel staff or expedition team. The amount of the gratuity is totally at your discretion. During the voyage we hand out a flyer about the handling of tips. For your convenience, we can charge the suggested gratuity to your onboard account. If you would like to cancel or make adjustments to the gratuity posted on your account, you can do so by visiting the reception desk. Gratuities are divided amongst the hotel crew and expedition team.

Health/Medical Emergency

Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, you should be able to move on board and ashore without the help of others. At all times there is an English-speaking doctor on board. The ship is equipped with a small clinic and medications to treat certain emergencies.

Insurance

Repatriation costs in case of illness can be extremely high. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing travel/health insurance prior to your voyage, specifically policies that cover repatriation costs to your home country. Information on all-inclusive insurance packages — including travel cancellation, curtailment, baggage and medical — can be found on the websites of various providers.

Internet/Phone

Iceland ProCruises offers free WiFi in the public areas of Clublounge, Observation Lounge and Library during Iceland Cruises. There is no free Wifi in those areas during Greenland Cruises. For an extra charge we offer internet access in your cabin. Mobile-phone reception should be possible in most regions along our route. For further details please contact your mobile phone operator. A telephone deposit for external phone calls as well as an internet deposit for your laptop or tablet can be purchased at the reception. Please ensure that your ‘Data Roaming’ facility is switched off.

Language Onboard

English is the official language on board. Therefore all members of our expedition team and the reception staff speak English (as well as German). Onboard announcements are made in English and German. The daily program as well as the dining room menu are also bilingual (English and German). If you require translation, our multi-lingual expedition team is always at your disposal.

Laundry

Professional laundry service is available for an additional charge.

Passport/Visa

Each passenger is responsible for ensuring that he/she meets the applicable passport and visa requirements for the duration of the trip. The passport is the only valid proof of identity for all trips with the Ocean Diamond . An ID card is not sufficient. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip ends. Please note that each participant is responsible for obtaining all neccessary documents. Costs incurred due to insufficient travel documents must be paid by the passenger.

Physical disabilities/Wheelchair accessibility

Guests with physical disabilities are recommended to travel with an accompanying person. The particular processes on board should be handled without external help. The gangway can be – depending on the individual disability – a challenge. The angle of inclination of the gangway varies due to tide and different circumstances in the respective port. Please note that the guest’s participation in shore excursions as well as the (dis-)embarkation by zodiac can be denied by the master due to security reasons. The instructions of the master must be followed. The ship is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Restaurant/Dining

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your cruise price. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style; dinner is a la carte. Coffee, tea and water are free during the entire voyage; other drinks can be purchased in the restaurant or bar. If you’re not on board at lunch time, we prepare a lunch box for you to take ashore. In the afternoon we offer tea and coffee in the lounge on Deck 4, which is also the venue for our late-night snack

Safety

The ship complies with all safety requirements and is certified for travel in Arctic waters. Before departure, all passengers receive instructions in onboard safety prodecures and operations including the location of lifejackets in your cabin. Familiarize yourself with the ship’s evacuation plan. Special safety procedures apply to trips in the Zodiacs.

Shop

Besides Icelandic souvenirs and postcards, our onboard shop offers a small range of cosmetics and other articles for daily use. All major credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx). Cash payment is possible in US$ and EUR.

Smoking

For safety reasons and to protect the health of our guests and employees, smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas on the outside deck. Don’t throw your cigarette butts overboard; use an ashtray. Smoking is strictly prohibited in cabins, on balconies and all other locations inside the ship.

Special Requests

Please inform us about any special dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian or gluten free, diabetic food) at least two weeks before departure. In order to ensure efficient service, please re-confirm your requirements with the crew after boarding the ship.

Tap Water

The tap water on board is completely safe and drinkable.

Vaccinations

Ask your local health authorities about recommended vaccinations.

Voltage

All cabins are equipped with 220 volt outlets.

Zodiacs

One of our features are landings and excursions with our motorized rubber boats of the brand “Zodiac“. The boat has both a low draught and a big stability. Zodiac vests are mandatory to wear. Zodiac-landings generally depend on local circumstances. In each case the master makes the final decision if the landing is realizable or not. Particular safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive a mandatory instruction of the security guidelines.